There was no way in hell that was true. He must’ve been exaggerating.
“Why would anyone hate you? You’re like the nicest person ever,” I declared.
Poppy’s lip quirked, but didn’t fully form a smile.
“I did something I wasn’t supposed to. And it’s a small community. Everyone saw.” He rubbed his arm. “And then I ran away. I’m not supposed to do that, either...”
“What weren’t you supposed to do?” I asked, trying to make sense of it.
His gaze dropped. “I... spoke out against the clan alpha. I argued with him.”
Alarms rang in my mind. I didn’t like where this was going.
“What did you argue about?” I probed.
Poppy shook his head. “It’s not important. I just misunderstood.”
But I heard doubt in his statement. Like he didn’t fully believe that. He didn’t seem to want to elaborate, so I didn’t push him.
“Okay... So, why can’t you come and go whenever you want?” I asked.
“We must be granted permission to leave clan grounds at all times.” Poppy grimaced. “And I wasn’t.”
The more I heard about this clan, the higher it raised my hackles. Something wasn’t right. I knew if I ran away from homewithout a word, my brothers would be worried sick. But that wasn’t the vibe I got from Poppy’s clan. It sounded like his clan alpha wouldn’t tolerate disobedience at even the smallest level. That worried me.
Yet I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. Despite my concerns, it was Poppy’s decision. His clan already took his choices away. I wasn’t going to do the same.
“It’s up to you, Poppy,” I said. “What do you want to do?”
His eyes were wet and rounded, like he’d never heard those words before. “What doIwant to do? I don’t know. I...”
When Poppy trailed off, I held my tongue. He needed time, so I gave him space to think it over, but I remained close for moral support. I wanted Poppy to know I’d support him no matter what. As he reflected on his choice, a thousand emotions flashed across his face before finally settling on determination.
“I can’t abandon Sorrel,” Poppy murmured. “I have to go back for him. He needs me.”
As much as the clan rubbed me the wrong way, I understood Poppy’s feelings. I could never abandon Thystle or the twins, especially not in such a strict place. It would crush their spirits.
“Besides, I’m not a pup anymore,” Poppy went on, handing Wolfy back to me with a grateful smile. “I’m an adult with responsibilities. I’m a hunter now, you know.”
I tucked Wolfy back in my satchel. “That’s great, Poppy, but... are you sure about this?”
“Yes. It’s bad enough I spent a week in a hole after my outburst. I have to make up for my failure. It’s the right thing to do.”
I hated when he talked like that, like he was some kind of disposable worker slaving away beneath a tyrant.
“All right,” I said, trying to ignore the growing discomfort in the pit of my stomach. “But I’m coming with you.”
Poppy gasped, hope lighting up his face. “Violet... You will?”
The way he said my name was an arrow to my heart.
“I’d do anything for you, Poppy,” I promised. And I meant it.
10
Poppy
I shuddered.
